Placental HIV transmission and vitamin D : Nutritional and immunological implications

Summary Vitamin D is a well‐known immunomodulator. The relationship between vitamin D status and human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) infection has attracted attention in recent literature. Evidence suggests there may be increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in HIV ‐infected children compared with HIV sero‐negative counterparts. One study has linked increased mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV , child mortality and adverse perinatal outcomes to vitamin D deficiency. This article provides a brief introduction into the emerging information surrounding the role of vitamin D and the placenta on mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV .